SW Meets Fantasy Earth

Hate to be impatient, but what about Karigan? She doesn't get a warm bed....

Great job, Amidolee, I'm awaiting more!

 

Jedi always find a way to impose themselves in other's homes, don't they???

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The shouted calls of her captors brought Karigan out of her oblivion. She raised her head off the rain soaked deck, blinking against the slashing rain. The barge seemed to sway and she felt distinctly nauseated. Lightning split the darkened sky, lighting everything up like day. She saw the captors struggling to keep the barge from capsizing. One man fell into the raging river.

?Get the girl!? someone called. A moment later Karigan was hauled to her feet and slung over someone?s broad shoulder. The man stumbled and the barge groaned. Karigan craned her neck around and saw that the boat was veering way off course, heading straight for the fallen tree.

She could hear the horses screaming from the back of the barge and she prayed Raven was all right. Then she looked back at the tree. It was huge, thick, and very dead. The barge plunged through the swirling current, heading straight for it. Karigan closed her eyes and braced for the impact. It came. Her carrier stumbled and fell, dropping her and sending her crashing to the deck. Karigan managed to land on her side, the breath leaving her lungs. The man fell beside her, making a sickening crunch as he snapped his neck.

She lay on the deck, unable to move as chaos erupted around her. It took her some time to realize the barge was listing. They were sinking. And she couldn?t swim. Curiously, this did not frighten her. She watched, detached, as several horses were forced into the river, pulling their riders behind them. The bank was close and they reached it before being swept away. Karigan watched it all, as if were a simple dream.

Then Stave halted in front of her, holding the reins of Raven. He brought out the knife and cut her ankle rope. She couldn?t stand, but he picked her up and placed her into the saddle, tying her to the pommel. The Raven was shoved into the water. Karigan cried out as she was submerged by the cold water. Raven?s pumping legs created a current under her. She was sure they would be swept away, but then his feet touched the bank and he scrambled up and out.

Another rider grabbed the reins and pulled her away. Her hands were untied from the saddle and placed behind her and bound again. Everything happened in the time of a minute. She was too dizzy and confused to react. Stave was the last off the barge and then the cortege rode on through the storm.

 

Storm's over. Took it a good three hours, though. Now I can get back to writing

 

Amidolee, just found this thread and I must say how wonderful it is already. I love the thought of our favorite Jedi on Earth (even if it's a long, long time ago).
Obi-Wan's introduction to Bluebird is hilarious.

Post often, post soon.

 

?Sir? Sir, it is time to be up now.?

Obi-Wan?s eyes flew open and he was instantly alert. The girl cried out and backed away, eyes wide as the Jedi sat up in a flash. Obi-Wan always awoke quickly in strange places?except for on the ground, he remembered?and the girl had fallen victim to Jedi alertness.

?I?m sorry, Sir!? Sarah cried, wiping her hands on the white apron over her brown skirt. Her brown hair was up in a bun, with wisps escaping around her ears.

?Quite all right,? Obi-Wan said, swinging his legs off the bed. He stretched them out, noting they were less sore than the previous morning.

?Mama has breakfast ready,? the girl said softly. ?Come down when you are ready, Sir.? The she hurried out the door.

Obi-Wan noticed she had left his clothes for him on the stool. They were dry and folded neatly. He changed from the farmer?s clothes to his own, smiling slightly that even his own clothes weren?t his own. He looked out the small window as he buttoned the vest. The sun was rising and there wasn?t a hint of last night?s storm, except for the muddy barnyard.

He folded the quilt, then headed downstairs. The house was all but quiet, the only sound coming from the kitchen. Tilla and Sarah were bustling around the kitchen, the latter cutting vegetables. Tilla turned when she heard him come in and greeted him with a smile. ?Sit down and have some breakfast!? she gestured to the small table. Bread and cream were set out.

?Thank you, ma?am,? Obi-Wan said. ?I will be gone shortly.?

?Too bad you are in a hurry to travel,? Tilla said. She sliced three pieces of bread and spread the cream on them. She presented them to Obi-Wan and then poured white milk into a mug. ?Fresh from the cow,? she said cheerfully. After sitting down at the table, she smiled at him again. ?We don?t get company often. Usually after the harvest. It would be nice if you could stay the rest of the day.?

?Where?re ya from?? Sarah asked, folding the dish rag and setting it on the sink. ?Your accent?s different.?

Obi-Wan finished chewing his bread, thinking of a way to explain his purpose. ?I?m just traveling. I?ve always traveled around, which explains my accent, I guess.?

The girl bought the explanation, turning back to her kitchen duties. Obi-Wan concentrated on his bread, which was very moist and fluffed. The cream was delicious and he ate his three given pieces with enthusiasm. Tilla was pleased when he complimented her baking. After drinking the milk, which was warm and different from the milk he?d had before, Obi-Wan asked a question that had been bothering him.

?May I ask where this road leads?? Obi-Wan inquired. ?I became lost after that fork yesterday.?

Tilla looked surprised, then she spoke. ?This road is one of the main trade routes for merchants and farmers. It leads directly to the ocean and crosses the F?ryan River, which travels through most of the lands. You are near the boundary of Torneh. The other two roads lead to G?ladheon. Oh, yes, Torneh?s mother city is along this road, but that?s a week?s hard ride.?

?Thank you, ma?am.?

Tilla got up from the table. ?My husband is in the barn. Your horse is waiting for you.?

Obi-Wan farewelled, thanking her again. Then he crossed the barnyard, surprised he was anxious to check on Bluebird. The mare greeted him happily when he entered. She was groomed and dry, her tack sitting on a hay bale outside the stall. The farmer was no where to be seen, so Obi-Wan tacked her up. He left three coppers on the bale and led his horse out into the morning sun.

The road was extremely muddy, but manageable. Obi-Wan pointed Bluebird down the road, remembering the pull of the Force the night before. But as the plodded along, he began to have his doubts. The Unifying Force was telling him that Qui-Gon was not this way. The Padawan turned the horse around and began to head back up the road.

But then there was that insistent buzzing in his mind. It was very subtle, but it was there. Obi-Wan broug

 

Chapter Four


The day?s heat quickly settled in over the riders. Karigan slouched in her saddle, her hands tied behind her back. One of her captors, Bryen, led Raven; the reins tied to the back of his horse?s saddle. Bryen had tried talking to her earlier that morning. His vulgar opinions of her expressed mostly. She had ignored him, keeping her chin high and looking straight ahead. Raven plodded after him, his proud head bowed in defeat.

Karigan?s small consolation was that she was no longer treated like a sack of grain. Riding Raven without use of her arms was proving to be difficult when at a trot or gallop, but it was better than being tied down. She could signal the horse with her legs, and at one time she had planned to have him rear and break free, but when his reins were fastened to the other horse, her hopes died.

When they passed other caravans or riders, Stave spun a tale about how she was a wanted murderer or thief. The gag prevented her from peeping, and she often found a dagger behind her back.

Stave rode up on his dark bay gelding. ?Beautiful day, isn?t it, Princess??

Karigan rolled her eyes.

?It is a pity that we had to run into hazards on the river,? Stave continued. ?It would have taken us to Amilton?s manor. But we are in Torneh now. We have nothing to fear.?

Karigan swore silently, wishing she could snap his throat.

 

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The mood around the throne room was dark and gloomy, mixed with the nervous sweat of servants. King Andres was in an uproar. The King had been running his Riders, Knights, and Guards ragged in search for his missing daughter. Lord Amilton watched it all and even offered his help. Andres was all to ready to accept his help.

And Amilton did help. He was making sure that the Guards and Riders never thought of transport up river to his manor. Never thought that he would be behind the kidnapping. Andres was now concluding someone had kidnapped his ?little Kari?, and Amilton was sure to point blame in the other direction.

?Your Majesty,? Amilton said quietly to the distraught King. ?I will personally seek your daughter out. And I will bring her home safely.?

Andres nodded absently, barely acknowledging the other?s words. Amilton smiled and bowed, turning away. Now, he must hurry back to Torneh Province to claim his prize. And introduce her to a world of power.

Princess Karigan of G?ladheon would serve him, along with every other soul in the land.

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?He?s straying,? Qui-Gon said, biting into the crisp, red fruit.

Anel?de smiled as she chewed the apple. ?But it is because he is learning.?

The Jedi Master frowned and rested and elbow on one knee. They had stopped to rest in a small clearing of the King?s Wood. The forest was well within the boundaries of G?ladheon. The horses were grazing a few paces off while their riders rested. Qui-Gon had stretched out with the Force to get a sense of Obi-Wan. He had been surprised to find the young man even further behind than before. And heading into the wrong territory. Anel?de had assured him that it was the living Force causing him to stray.

?I sensed a different path for him at the very beginning,? she concluded.

?And you didn?t bother to tell me?? Qui-Gon cried, examining his apple, then giving her a hard stare.

?And what would you have done? Defy the Force?? Anel?de smiled and took another bite of apple. ?He is safe for now, Qui-Gon Jinn. Kenobi is a young man, and strong-willed. The most trouble he?ll run into is a black bear or dragon.?

?That isn?t very reassuring,? he grumbled.

 

That wasn't a long post was it? Don't worry, I'll get you another when in a whittle bit ;-)

 

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Obi-Wan passed through another village that day. This one was very populated and bustling. It seemed to be one of the main market settlements of the area. He passed through another, smaller village, but didn?t pause in either one. He stretched out with the Force, but came up with no answers. At one point, he sensed his Master touch his mind. The Padawan simply sent his reassurance back, then continued to focus on the here and the now, what was around him.

He rode with his sword scabbard slung on his hip. It was reassuring for when he passed a ban of what appeared to be bandits. He rode Bluebird calmly through, eyeing the grimy cutthroats neutrally. Their horses were scraggly and ill-kept. The leader watched him as he passed through. Obi-Wan kept one eye on them, then sent the Force out. The leader spun his horse around, distracted by an illusion placed in his mind. The bandits rode off.

?That wasn?t too hard,? Obi-Wan muttered, tapping his heels against Bluebird?s flanks. She jumped into a canter, seeming anxious to leave the proximity. They traveled down the road for a hours at a comfortable pace. Obi-Wan crossed a bridge over a wide river, then continued on down the road.

For the next two nights, he traveled parallel to the river. It was a wide body of water, seeming to run deep and smooth. There were times it would bend out of sight from the road, then swing back to near touch it. Bluebird drank from the river and Obi-Wan would fill his canteen. The weather was pleasant enough, only cooling down at night. Whenever Obi-Wan decided to turn back, something would keep him on track. He gave up trying to question it or depict its meaning. Only knowing that he had to keep on going.

It was afternoon when he reached Torneh?s mother city. It stretched on over a hill and he couldn?t see all of it. Obi-Wan rode around the outskirts, not anxious to ride through the swarm of people. It took a good two hours to find the road again and clear the city. Many people would stop him and try to entice him to some attraction or buy their goods. He declined all offers, making note that he would have to refurbish his food supply soon. But now was not the time.

The city was long past when night fell. Obi-Wan pulled off the road and into the woods for camp. He built a small fire and quickly fell asleep.

He started out early the next day, feeling more energized than usual. While his mission had been without mishap, save for the rain, and he felt as if something had to give. What was he suppose to learn, except that little blood-sucking insects came out when it was humid? The Jedi apprentice rode the entire morning, not stopping to eat or rest. Bluebird seemed in a foul mood, sometimes giving a little buck when he gave her a command. The roads were no longer mud pits and Obi-Wan found himself becoming bored when there was nothing but dirt road ahead of him.

He was slouching in the saddle when Bluebird suddenly came to a halt, ears pricked forward, head high. She bellowed and snorted. Obi-Wan perked up. Coming up the road was a cortege. The Force rippled, whispering to him. Cautiously, Obi-Wan proceeded forward. It was a group of seven riders and nine horses. The lead rider sat on his dark horse, eyes darting about like a hawk. He spit chew juice on the road and wore a scabbard at his hip. They were a mean-looking group. Obi-Wan gave the room as they passed. The slowed to a walk, eyeing him.

Obi-Wan was about to pay them no mind when the Force rippled again. He tried to hide his surprise when he saw whom they were escorting. A beautiful girl on a white stallion was being held captive. Her hands were tied behind her back and her horse was being led by one of the riders. Her manner was proud and defiant, but Obi-Wan picked up the weariness and defeat running off her. The other random thoughts and suspicion pointed to at him were quickly faded from his observance. The Force rippled again, and now he knew who had called for help.

The prisoner did

 

Ooo, I like how this is picking up, Amidolee.

A question: is your signature from the movie What Dreams May Come? I've been trying to figure it out because that line sounds familiar, and it dawned on my this morning that there's a line like that in the movie. Just curious.

 

Very good, Musiscal!!! I watched it the other night and really loved that line. It might be off a bit. That movie is REALLY DEEP! It's great though.

Thanx 4 keeping the secret a secret

I *could* post the next post, but it ends at a cliff-hangar with the next post coming after that with Obi's *Force heroics* YOu're gonna have to beg for the two of them together!!!

*you're wicked!*
yes, I know ;-p

 

This post is kinda violent.



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Karigan forced herself to keep awake and alert as they rode. The day had been hot and exhausting, but they would be drawing to a halt very soon. Raven was no longer a magnificent white, but dusty and dull. The other men were complaining and grumbling. They had lost two in the storm, swept away by the current. She did not feel any sadness or pity to their loss. All the less for her to fight when the time came.

Stave veered off into the woods, the rest of the convoy following. Karigan sighed, knowing they would finally be resting for the night. She was so tired. All day something kept bothering her. It was that lone rider they had passed on the road. He had been prepared to meet the mercenaries on the road, but he had been surprised to see her, that much she could tell. She also picked up the sense that he didn?t believe Stave?s story, but the young man had then rode on, not giving her another glance. He must have been smart enough to play oblivious and ignorant, as not to lose a head.

Still, she had hoped the lone rider would notify someone. But no rescue had come and there was little chance of them being discovered this deep in the woods. Stave was making sure they would be out of anyone?s view. The leader drew to a halt in a tiny hollow in the forest. He dismounted and signaled for the others to do so. Tents were pitched and bedrolls were laid out. The horses were tied along a long rope between two trees.

Karigan was left up on her horse until Bryen saw to her. She was lifted off and set on a fallen log. She watched as the campfire was built and the dried meat cooked. The six remaining men feasted, tossing her a scrap or to. It all landed out of her reach. She didn?t give them satisfaction of trying for the morsels, but instead remained aloof.

Night soon descended and the liquor made its rounds. Bryen and two others began singing off-key and Karigan wished her hands were free so she could clamp her ears shut. Stave finally told them to shut-up and she sighed in relief. One of the men, clearly drunk, stumbled over to her.

?How ya doin? ?nite sweetheart?? he chuckled, reaching out and grabbing her arm.

Karigan squirmed and twisted, trying to break his hold. He breathed heavily on her, smelling of liquor and less fresh substances.

?Whasa madder?? he slurred. His hand ran roughly down her neck and arm. ?Ya no like Gence??

Karigan brought her knee up into his groin, thrusting upwards and hard. Gence fell back with an angry shout of pain. The others laughed at him, jeering at Karigan.

?She?s got some spirit there, Gence!?

?Just the way you like ?em!?

?When he?s not drunk!?

Gence recovered, his anger overcoming his pain. He crawled back to Karigan and raised his hand to smack her. She recoiled.

?Gence!? Stave barked. ?Get away from her or my gelding will be more useful than you.?

The drunken man lowered his hand and stumbled back. His comrades jested for another hour. Karigan ignored them, ignored their appreciative gazing over her. They finally began to turn in, either sleeping in tents or their bedrolls. Karigan was left outside, alone, and cold. Somewhere, an owl hooted and a mouse squeaked. Snoring could be heard, and she took it only as a comfort to possible escape. They had left her legs untied and she intended to make good use of that.

She was just planning to find a sharp object to cut her shackled hands on when a figure appeared from the farthest tent. It was Stave. She froze. He came over to her, quiet and stealth-like. Karigan didn?t like the feeling she was getting from his glittering eyes. She straightened her back against the tree, ready to push off and knock him over, if need be.

?You shouldn?t be treated to such crude manners,? Stave said quietly, his voice thick. He knelt down beside her, letting one hand caress her cheek. Karigan glared at him and moved her head away. The man smiled, tracing the gag with his dirty fingertips. The fear was b

 

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Obi-Wan didn?t build a campfire. He wanted to remain as hidden as possible. He didn?t untack Bluebird, knowing if he was indeed discovered that he would need a quick escape. So, he wrapped his robe around himself and found a tree stump to lean against. He could sense the others through the Force. They were intoxicated. Soon their thoughts turned to dreams. One mind was fantasizing and Obi-Wan tuned them out, not wanting to hear.

A few minutes later, he heard a shrill scream. He was instantly on his feet, senses flaring. The scream was cut short and he felt a flash of pain and fear. Bluebird pranced in place, tossing her head. Obi-Wan moved to the horse, grabbing his lightsaber and sword. Then he set off towards the camp. He moved quickly and silently, senses alert to any possible ambush.

The glow of the campfire was soon seen through the trees. Obi-Wan moved through the shadows to the edge of the camp. A drunk man, out cold, lay not more than a meter from his feet. He sensed four others. Using the Force, Obi-Wan touched the drunk?s forehead. He would be unconscious for hours. The other four would be a problem, since they were in camps. The Jedi directed his attention across camp.

The leader was murmuring to the girl. She was gagged and clearly trying to free herself. Obi-Wan moved silently to the closest tent. The leader?s attention was fully on the girl. The Jedi moved inside the tent, rendering the occupants past dreams. He came out of the tent and moved to the second. The other two men were quickly attended to. Obi-Wan moved back into the shadows. He needed a better approach to the leader.

The girl suddenly was free of the gag and she began to scream. Obi-Wan moved quickly between the trees. He heard the struggle, but did not watch. He would have to be ready to bring the assailant unconscious. There was a sickening blow and Obi-Wan saw the girl crumple on the ground. The man chuckled and the began undressing her. Obi-Wan moved, ready to pounce.

A horse?s shrill neigh brought the leader?s attention. The man unsheathed his sword and stood over the girl. His eyes caught the flicked off motion from Obi-Wan. He jumped forward, saber slashing out. Instinct brought Obi-Wan?s lightsaber out and the Jedi cleaning sliced through the other?s weapon.

?By gods!? the man shouted, his voice cracking. ?A sword of fire!?

Obi-Wan watched the fear in the mercenary?s eyes. He could kill him, the man deserved it, but Obi-Wan was not one to kill in cold blood. His hand snaked out and the rapist collapsed to the ground. There was a moan; the girl was waking up. Obi-Wan moved over to her, quickly checking for injuries. She was battered and bruised, a cut was bleeding across one cheek.

There was another groan, distinctly male. Obi-Wan glanced up and around the camp. The others would be waking up. Perhaps he hadn?t been effective enough on them. The snort of a horse then seized his attention. Obi-Wan left the girl, stepping over to the row of horses. The white stallion was pawing the ground. He was still fully tacked, and looked as if no one had paid him any mind for quite some time. The Jedi unhooked him and quickly led him towards the camp.

Kicking the leader over, Obi-Wan brought the horse beside the girl. He scooped her up and draped her over the saddle. Then he deactivated his lightsaber and mounted. The stallion stood stock-still as he arranged the girl in his arms, trying to find the easiest way to ensure her safety and his control of the horse. With the unconscious girl clutched to his chest, Obi-Wan tapped the horse. The stallion moved forward.

?Stop!?

The first man he had put out had miraculously awoke. He charged the horse and rider with his sword. Obi-Wan?s lightsaber flew into the air, slashing the sword?s blade in half. Then Obi-Wan retrieved it through the Force. Clear of the camp, Obi-Wan kicked the horse into a gallop. The stallion wove between the trees, bringing them further into the woods. Branches

 

Cool! I like!

 

Anyone still reading this???

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Karigan awoke to the worst headache she had ever experienced. She lay with her eyes closed, very still and breathing deeply. It took her a moment to realize she was no longer bounded. She slowly opened her eyes, squinting against the light of day. All she saw was sky. Then she sensed movement and he eyes snapped to the sound.

A young man?the one on the road?sat beside her, astonishing blue eyes looking down at her with concern. Karigan opened her mouth to scream. It came out in a hoarse gasp. ?Good morning,? the Blue Eyes greeted, nodding his head slightly.

Karigan summoned all of her strength and launched herself off the bedroll. Pain ruptured through her, causing her to gasp and hiss. A firm but gentle hand rested on her shoulder. ?Relax,? the equally gentle voice spoke. Karigan felt an overwhelming wave of calm sweep over her. She sank back down, breathing deeply. The hand released her, but the spell did not break. Her heart hammered in her chest and she felt the fear that was about to crest slowly leave her.

She was under a spell. This strange man had put her under a spell. He could do whatever he wanted to her, she was too weak to fight. Karigan was not one to like feeling helpless, and she did not like the way she felt at the moment.

?I am not going to hurt you,? the man said, his accent soft and foreign.

?Then,? Karigan breathed. ?What are . . . you going . . . to do??

To her surprise, the man chuckled. ?I?m not positive, actually.?

He was laughing about this? Karigan grimaced and felt her head begin to throb again. She moaned and licked her lips.

?Here,? he said. ?Drink this.?

Karigan felt the gentle hand caress the back of her neck, tilting her up slightly and holding the canteen to her lips. She drank thirstily. The cool, fresh water hit her stomach like a rock. It had been days since she had had fresh water. The shock was causing her stomach to ache, but she didn?t care. It tasted so good! Her raw throat practically sang as the fresh water soothed it. She felt the water dribble from the corners of her mouth and down her chin, trailing down her neck.

He started to take the canteen away, but she reached up and took hold of it, tilting it high to get every drop. ?You emptied it,? he said, pulling it away. Karigan sucked in air and licked her lips. Oh, how good that water had tasted. She laid back down, feeling dizzy and exhausted.

?You need to rest,? her savior said. Karigan felt the hand brush over her forehead. Her eyes closed and she felt as if she had been put into a trance. Darkness came over her and she slept.

 

Anyone still around???
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?What in the gods? names happened here??

Stave looked around the campsite, not acknowledging Bryen?s cry. The vision of the man with the sword of fire and light still haunted him.

?The girl is gone, Boss,? Bryen said, standing beside the leader.

?I know,? Stave growled, kicking over the iron kettle by the fire. A demon took her. A demon that wields fire and lightning.?

The other man sucked in his breath. ?The legend, sir??

Stave spit tobacco juice in the dirt. ?Yes.? He looked back towards the camp. The horses were being saddled and the tents were collapsed and rolled. He hated to think what would happen now. Amilton would not be pleased. A shiver started down his back, but Stave held it in control. Running from the province would not benefit him. Amilton would find him, using his powers to make the rest of his life miserable.

?Saddle them up,? Stave growled. ?Then we ride after the demon.?

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Obi-Wan dozed lightly, keeping a part of him alert for when the girl awoke. The white horse stayed within meters of the camp, cropping grass and swishing his tail. He would wander over and nuzzled the sleeping girl, then turn back to his meal. Obi-Wan found himself worrying about Bluebird, and he had been tempted to return to the spot he?d left her. Trouble was, he didn?t have a clue to as where he was.

The change in thoughts and breathing brought Obi-Wan?s attention back to the girl. Her eyelids fluttered, then her eyes opened. She turned her head and looked straight at him, fear being fiercely hidden behind her emerald eyes. The scab was almost healed, thanks to Obi-Wan?s application of the Force. It would be a pink scar on her beautiful face for a few days. The bruises had even changed from their ugly black to purple.

Those green eyes remained riveted on him, but there was nothing friendly in their flames. The fear rolled off her and Obi-Wan began to gather the Force to calm her.

?Don?t use any of your spells on me,? she said in her softly accented voice. The girl pushed herself up on her elbows, then sat up completely. She kept the brown robe clutched to her battered body as she watched Obi-Wan.

?What spells?? Obi-Wan asked, trying not to smile. It wasn?t very funny that she thought him to be a sorcerer, but if she had sensed his use of the Force, it meant she could use it to. Whether she knew she could was beyond his knowledge.

Green Eyes? perfect mouth frowned slightly. ?The spell you used to make me sleep. I felt it.?

?It was no spell,? Obi-Wan shrugged. He reached back to the saddlebag he had been leaning against and withdrew some of the hard bread and jerky. He held it out to her. ?Hungry??

She eyed it, her lips pressing together, her fingers twitching. Then those luminous eyes shot straight at him. There was deep mistrust there, and Obi-Wan was a little annoyed she was being so rude. Had he not just risked his mission to save her from further abuse? ?It?s not poisoned,? he said irritably.

?I know that,? she said, finally grabbing the proffered food. She took a tentative bit, then quickly swallowed the food down. Obi-Wan handed her the canteen wordlessly. She drank it all again, her throat pulsing as she quenched thirstily. The bite on her neck stuck out sorely against her skin. When she finished, chest heaving as she caught her breath, she hand it back to him.

?What are you going to do to me??

Obi-Wan was startled by the question. ?Nothing,? he said. He shifted and looked back at the saddlebags. ?There?s a change of clothes in here, and there?s a creek down the hill if you want to clean up.?

The young woman stared at him for a moment. She clearly was wary of his intentions, but she wasn?t going to push it. She stood up, on shaky legs and moved to the saddlebags. Obi-Wan slid away so she could dig around. She still clung to his cloak, obviously not wanting to reveal her battered body. At least she was walking and not s

 

I'm reading this! My favourite kind of story: plucky Padawan meets up with spunky sprout! All right, I know that sounds silly, but still. I'm enjoying it! Now, what is Obi-Wan planning to do with Karigan? Will they get captured by the men who are chasing after them? Is any Obi-Torture coming? What about Qui-Gon? More, more!

 

Yes, there will be Obi-torture!!!

Karigan used her torn shirt to use as a scrub rag. The creek was cold and fresh, soothing her burns and stiffening her bruise muscles. Raven drank while she bathed. When the water was too much for her to stand, she got out and changed into the fresh shirt and green leggings. Her tunic was a little torn, but it would have to do for the moment. She fastened the brown belt around her waist and shook her wet hair out. Then she picked up her discarded clothing and began her walk up the hill.

Her muscles ached for lack of use. Her face throbbed and she wondered what she must look like. Horrifying, she was sure. When had Blue Eyes rescued her? Or had he taken her unconscious and had his way with her? Her stomach rolled at the thought. No, she didn?t get that sense from him. His help had been genuine, even if he had cast a spell on her. And Raven seemed to think he was all right.
Why had he shown up? She didn?t remember ever being rescued. Only Stave?s foul breath and grimy hands. Oh, and his elbow smashing her skull. Maybe he had heard her scream and killed all of the other drunks.

When she reached the small camp, she found it neat and tidy. The young man was sitting quietly, waiting for her. He looked up as she came, nodding to her. ?Are you up for riding today??

Karigan frowned at him. ?Where are you taking me? You imply that I am your prisoner.?

?It is rather the other way around,? Blue Eyes said wryly. ?It?s your horse and gear. I?m just along for the ride. The mercenaries will probably follow our trail, so we don?t have the luxury of time.?

?Where?s your horse?? Karigan asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

?Who knows? You rested enough??

?Yes,? Karigan said.

Blue Eyes called to Raven. The horse trotted up, eyeing him. The man saddled the horse. Karigan frowned. Raven didn?t put up with anyone but her. This new detail didn?t thrill her at all. Blue Eyes mounted and tied the brown robe on the pommel. He rode the horse up to her and offered a hand to help her mount.

Karigan scowled at him. He knew full well that the horse was hers, yet he had mounted and taken control! She was to be the passenger. Just deal with it, a voice said. You can?t control Raven in your condition anyway. Reluctantly, she accepted his hand and swung up beside him, wrapping her arms around his waist for a firm hold.

?By the way,? he said in his strange accent. ?I?m Obi-Wan Kenobi.?

?Karigan. Kari, for short,? Karigan said. She waited for the shocked ?You?re the princess!? but it never came. His name was of an unfamiliar clan, but he could have been from Torneh or Estoriah.

Obi-Wan clucked to the horse and Raven started off down the meadow. ?Which way do you want to go??

?Where are we?? Karigan asked.

?I have no idea. You were camped off the Torneh trade road, two days from the city. We?re in the forest.?

?Go south.? G?ladheon was south of Torneh.

They rode in silence, Obi-Wan concentrating on the forest as they re-entered. He kept the pace quick, obviously wanting to put some distance between them and the meadow. Karigan felt her weariness return and it was all she could do not to close her eyes and drift into sleep. She watched over his shoulder, giving the long braid behind his right ear a close inspection. What land was this traveler from? His sandy hair was short-cropped and had a short ponytail in the back. It was an unusual style. And his accent was foreign, close to the islanders, but still not matching.

?You didn?t kill them did you?? Karigan asked after awhile.

?No,? Obi-Wan said. ?You would say they were spellbound.?

The princess frowned at the amusement in his tone. She thought of digging her elbow into his side, but decided that was no way to solve anything. If he decided to leave her or overpower her, he could easily do it. She was in no shape to fight him off. Tucked up and clinging to him as they rode, she could feel the strong, taut body underneath. It was a fighter?s body a

 

I will be gone from Thursday afternoon to Sunday night. I would appreciate it if someone would bump the thread up occasionally so it does not sink into the murky depths.

 

Ooh, I am liking this! Very cool concept, and you're pulling it off quite well. Keep it up!

(I knew you would find a way to make horses fit into all of this! Hehe...)

You're leaving?! :gives a forlorn look at Amidolee: Don't leave! =(

 

Chapter Five


Obi-Wan kept the Force stretched out for any signs of pursuit. He found none and found Karigan drifting off to sleep. The exhausted woman had been fighting it all morning, and he had been ready to knock her out himself. He steadied the horse, whom she called Raven, and checked that her grip around his waist was firm. Would not do to have her fall right off. Her head thumped against his shoulder.

They hadn?t talked much, which Obi-Wan wasn?t too worried about. He wasn?t the most talkative person in the galaxy either. There was still an underlying fear from Karigan, but he sensed her acceptance that he wasn?t going to hurt her immediately. The young woman must have trouble with accepting help, the Padawan decided.

The forest they had been riding through that morning and into the afternoon was thick and well shaded. The end came abruptly and Obi-Wan pulled Raven to a halt. A dirt road lay just meters from the trees. It looked less traveled than the previous ones, but traveled enough to be significant. The Jedi was undecided whether to travel the road or not. It would be faster, but it was also open to danger.

Karigan stirred from behind him and her thought pattern changed. ?Take the road south. We won?t leave a trail then.?

Obi-Wan was impressed by how she was instantly alert and had asserted the situation. He urged Raven out into the sunshine, turned him south, and heeled him into a canter. Just as they were moving away, he picked up the sense of their pursuers. They were still quite a ways behind, but the fact that they were in his range wasn?t very comforting.

?They?re behind us, aren?t they?? Karigan said into his ear.

?We?ve got the lead,? Obi-Wan called back. ?But it won?t take them much to reach us.?

?Maybe we?ll get lucky and they?ll go north,? Karigan said.

?I don?t believe in luck.?

?Neither do I.? Karigan glanced back up the road. ?Especially when they know I would return to the G?ladheon.?

?How?s that??

Obi-Wan could feel the girl?s slight surprise, then amusement. ?I?d have to warn father of Lord Amilton?s treachery. Kidnapping a princess is a rather high offense.?

?You?re a princess?? Obi-Wan fought hard to suppress a groan. His last mission had ended being an escort for a very snobby princess. All she had done was whine and complain. Qui-Gon had said it was a lesson in patience and politics. If they had upset the royalty in any way, they could have executed or planetary arrangements would have disastrous. Now when he thought he was free, the Living Force had brought him straight to another example of hierarchy.

?The only one around,? Karigan replied, frowning a little.

Obi-Wan brought Raven down to a walk. ?G?ladheon?s south I presume.?

?Yeah.?

?Whose Amilton??

Karigan pulled back slightly in surprise. ?Who are you, anyway? How can you not know the lord of the land you are traveling through??

Obi-Wan scolded himself for coming across so ignorant, which he was, but he didn?t have to be obvious about it. ?I travel so much that positions in hierarchy don?t effect me that much.?
She seemed to by his explanation and took hold at his waist again. ?So,? she said. ?Are you giving me a lift back to the palace or what??

The Jedi almost smiled at this. ?Not originally. Just planned on taking you to safety, but I guess a little detour wouldn?t hurt.? At least this princess was shaping out a bit more bearable than the last one.

?Might as well,? Karigan agreed. ?Since you have stolen my horse.?

?Details, details,? Obi-Wan admonished. ?I was merely borrowing him.?

Karigan found herself grinning. At least she hadn?t come across any old boring sort. Raven picked up a trot again and they continued down the road. The day was growing hot and she tried not to lick her lips. She was thirsty and the road was getting dusty. She didn?t want to be rude and ask for water, for her rescuer seemed quite focused on other things.

?Pull the canteen around and take a drink,? Obi-Wan said suddenly, his v

 

May the horse be with you! Er--may the Force be with the horse! Er--never mind! Another great post! You couldn't possibly sneak in another one before you leave, could you?

 

I guess I should, since you asked so nicely!

Ugh, it took me an hour to get the first chapter of Portrait up on my website. Had to go through and put all of the coding in so it would space out properly, and the URLs were being stubborn.


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?Was that the demon?? Bryen whispered to Stave.

?Yes,? Stave sneered. His eyes hadn?t left the wall. The wall that went far over their heads. It was impossible for any beast to make the leap, but the princess?s rescuer had. The man with the sword of flame and lightning.

?What are we to do, Boss??

?Contact Amilton,? Stave said, wheeling his horse about. ?Spread the word that a demon has seized the princess.?

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On the other side of the great wall, dusk was beginning to fall. Obi-Wan sat with his back against the stone, gazing out into the dark woods on the other side of the small creek. They had skirted the woods for an hour, then had stopped to rest. Karigan had explained the Great Wall had been placed centuries ago, and no one knew the reason for sure. It stretched leagues?the equivalent to a kilometer?east to west. It was suspected that it was to keep the Wild Kingdoms back. Those kingdoms were rumored to be full of magic and heathens.

Obi-Wan didn?t know what to think of it, only that there was a nice barrier between him and the mercenaries. Of course, Karigan had pointed out they would need to find a way over if they were ever to reach G?ladheon. Glancing sideways over at the other, Obi-Wan discovered the princess to be studying him closely. She quickly looked away to where Raven was tethered and grazing.

?We better gather firewood,? she said, rising to her feet.

Obi-Wan followed her example, hopping over the small creek to the woods. They picked up sticks and bark at the edge, then brought it all back into a pile. Karigan took the sticks and stacked them into a complicated pile, then she lit the fire. It came to life almost instantly, crackling and sparking. He hadn?t been able to get a fire started and burning that quickly.

Karigan looked up, smiling smugly. ?Don?t looked so shocked, Obawan. Even a princess knows a thing or two about survival.? She sat down and crossed her legs, leaning against the wall, and crossed her arms behind her head.

Obi-Wan didn?t answer. He went over to the saddlebags and brought out some jerky and hard bread, passing some to her. She took it, still gazing up at the sky. After she took a bite, she swallowed and looked up at him, her green eyes seeming to glow in the light of the fire.

?You use magic,? she said quietly. ?The Curse.?

?There?s no such thing as magic,? Obi-Wan said slowly. If he wasn?t careful, he could dig himself a deep hole.

Karigan smiled coldly. ?How can you even begin to deny it? The wall, for starters. And then you?ve put spells on me.? She frowned then, looking into the orange flames. ?You could have hurt me, but you didn?t.?

?Why should I?? Obi-Wan asked in surprise.

The princess shrugged. ?Anyone who uses magic is evil.?

?The Curse, is that what the evil magic you refer to is?? Obi-Wan inquired.

?Yes,? Karigan said softly. ?Some, the hill people, call it the gift. They talk of some hermit woman who heals and sees things.?

Obi-Wan almost laughed. Anel?de, no doubt. ?Do they say the Gift is good??

?Yes. You must have it, then,? Karigan concluded, suddenly relieved that she wasn?t with a sorcerer.

Obi-Wan hesitated, wondering if he should tell her. Perhaps he could partially explain the Force to her. ?From where I come, some beings appear to be . . . gifted. Much like you are speaking of. We call it the Force. There is the light side, and there is the dark side. The Force surrounds us and connects all living things. It is not magic. I cannot make money come from your ear or make things disappear.? He pondered whether to tell her the Force was with her, but he decided against it.

The princess digested it, her beautiful face impassive. A bird hooted from within the woods. She glanced towa